PC introduces Kim English as new head men's basketball coach — 'New teammate in Friartown'
PROVIDENCE — Kim English was officially introduced Wednesday morning as the next Providence men’s basketball coach, ushering in a new era for the program after the departure of city native Ed Cooley.
English shared the stage with new women’s coach Erin Batth, starring in a joint press conference at Alumni Hall. It marked the end of a frenzied few days that saw Cooley depart for Big East rival Georgetown and Friars athletic director Steve Napolillo move quickly to secure his replacement.
English spent the last two seasons at George Mason and carried a recommendation from former Providence coach Rick Barnes. English served as an assistant under Barnes at Tennessee from 2019-21, and they both count the Patriots among their previous stops.
“Walking in here last Wednesday or Thursday night, it felt different,” English said. “I hear you. We see you. We’re going to give you everything we’ve got.”
More: New Providence basketball coach Kim English hits the ground running
English's challenge is to keep Friars competitive
Friars fans filled one side and both end zones of their old men’s home gym, with English and his fellow speakers on stage near midcourt. His challenge is to keep Providence among the conference contenders and extend the momentum generated by Cooley over his 12 seasons. The Friars reached the NCAA Tournament seven times and captured both league regular season and tournament titles under his guidance.
“I want to thank Coach Cooley and his staff for bringing us to new heights and creating special memories,” Napolillo said. “But today we start a new chapter and I could not be more excited to have Kim English as my new teammate in Friartown.”
Cooley’s last game came during March Madness, a 61-53 loss to Kentucky in the East Region. Uncertainty hung over his future job status at Greensboro Coliseum like thick smoke, and he was officially gone the following Monday afternoon. The Hoyas did the unprecedented — hiring directly from a conference rival for the first time since the league’s creation in 1979.
Providence was forced to make what felt like an unlikely pivot as recently as a couple months ago. The Friars were off to a 17-5 start overall before dropping seven of their final 11 games. Cooley was fresh off the school’s first Sweet 16 appearance in 25 years, and Providence seemed set to continue with him for at least a decade to come.
“A week ago, you wouldn’t have done that,” Napolillo said, playfully acknowledging the standing ovation he received before delivering his introductory remarks. “I can’t tell you the excitement. My hands are shaking.”
'Rising star' at George Mason
English, 34, went 34-29 in his two seasons at George Mason. His win total improved by six overall and four in the Atlantic 10 in 2022-23. He was viewed as a rising star in the sport after previous assistant stints at Tulsa, Colorado and under Barnes with the Volunteers.
“This is an incredible day for all of us today,” said the college's president, the Rev. Kenneth R. Sicard. “I couldn’t be more excited. To me, this marks the beginning of a whole new era at Providence College.”
English directed the majority of his public remarks to Friars from the 2022-23 roster — they sat just off the stage to his right. Bryce Hopkins, Devin Carter, Corey Floyd Jr., Rafael Castro, Quante Berry and Jayden Pierre — who entered the transfer portal Tuesday — were among the scholarship players in attendance. English said retention and recruiting would be held in equal importance going forward.
“It also puts the onus on the coach — you better treat them right,” English said. “You better love them. You better honor what you said during the recruiting process. You better make sure they see there’s a plan for their development.
“I think it puts an onus on everyone just to be better. I love it.”
Some Friars have committed, others still on fence
English has received commitments from Floyd, Berry and fellow guard Alyn Breed to stay for 2023-24. He’s also bringing a pair of players with him from the Patriots in graduate transfer big man Josh Oduro and former top-100 guard prospect Justyn Fernandez. Pending decisions from Hopkins and Carter are likely to shape how competitive the Friars can expect to be next season.
“Hopefully soon,” English said. “I’m really enjoying getting to know those guys. I think a decision is coming in the near future.”
English has spent the last few days recruiting and received some good news after a visit to Los Angeles over the weekend — wing forward Donovan Santoro reaffirmed his commitment to Providence for next season. Incoming forward Drew Fielder and 2024 guard Kayvaun Mulready both flipped their respective pledges to Georgetown, following Cooley to his new home. The Friars have already been connected to a host of other prospects and will follow through on a planned offseason trip to Spain this summer.
“When you talked to [Marquette coach Shaka Smart] throughout this year, he’d always say, ‘We’re lucky to have a group that really likes each other,' " English said. “That trip gives us a very organic opportunity for us to spend time together.”
English also hopes to finalize his staff over the next 48 hours. George Mason associate head coach Dennis Felton was in attendance — he'll follow English to a place he called home under Barnes from 1992-94. English said other assistants and support pieces with the Patriots could reach decisions on their futures by the end of this week.
“He knew his purpose,” Napolillo said. “He had a passion. He had a desire. He showed me, ‘Steve, we’re meant to do this together.' "
On Twitter: @BillKoch25
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Providence College introduces Kim English, its new men's basketball coach
